HAGATNA: President Lai Ching-te had a telephone call with United States House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson during his stopover in Guam, as part of a weeklong South Pacific tour, according to Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo.
According to Focus Taiwan, the call, which reportedly took place on Thursday morning (Hagatna time), marked the first time Lai had spoken directly with Johnson of the Republican Party since taking office in May. In addition to the conversation with the House Speaker, President Lai also engaged in discussions with Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries and held a video conference with Republican Senator Roger Wicker while in Guam.
During these conversations, the Congressmen emphasized their bipartisan support for Taiwan’s democracy and freedom and expressed their commitment to strengthening U.S.-Taiwan relations. Johnson highlighted the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Congress to pass bills aimed at bolstering the U.S. response to China and enhancing Taiwan’s d
efense capabilities. He also acknowledged the strategic importance of Taiwan in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy given the challenges posed by China.
Lai reiterated Taiwan’s resolve in the face of increasing threats and expressed his government’s commitment to enhancing defense capabilities and economic resilience. He conveyed hope for further collaboration in national defense. Senator Wicker expressed satisfaction with Taiwan’s dedication to self-defense and pledged continued support for Taiwan’s security as he prepares to chair the Senate Committee on Armed Services next year.
President Lai arrived in Guam on Wednesday evening after concluding a visit to Taiwan’s Pacific ally Tuvalu. On Thursday morning, he visited the Legislature of Guam, becoming the first President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to do so. During the visit, Guam’s Legislative Speaker, Therese M. Terlaje, honored the enduring relationship between Guam and Taiwan, built on decades of partnership and shared values, and presented a resolut
ion to President Lai.